Why have I been prescribed Rivotril?

How does it work?

It works by increasing the amount of a certain chemical in the brain which calms the brain down and stops the nerves firing inappropriately.

When and how do I take it?

Always take Rivotril exactly as your doctor has told you.

You should check with your doctor if you are not sure.

What’s the dose?

Your doctor will start you on a low dose of Rivotril and gradually increase it over 2 to 4 weeks until the right dose has been found for you.

Your doctor will usually tell you to split your daily dose into three equal amounts which you will take at evenly spaced times throughout the day.

If the daily dose cannot be split equally, take the largest dose at bedtime.

Once your doctor has found the right dose for you, they may tell you to take Rivotril as a single dose in the evening.

Adults and children over 12 years

The usual starting dose is 1 mg a day, or less.

This will be increased gradually (usually to between 4 mg and 8 mg a day). The maximum dose is 20 mg a day.

The elderly

The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg a day, or less.

This will be increased gradually (usually to between 4 mg and 8 mg a day). The maximum dose is 20 mg a day.

Infants (aged 0 to 1 year)

The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg a day, or less.

This will be increased gradually (usually to between 0.5 mg and 1 mg a day).

Small children (aged 1 to 5 years)

The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg a day, or less.

This will be increased gradually (usually to between 1 mg and 3 mg a day).

Older children (aged 5 to 12 years)

The usual starting dose is 0. 5 mg a day, or less.

This will be increased gradually (usually to between 3 mg and 6 mg a day).

Could it interact with other tablets?

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines that you buy without a prescription and herbal medicines. This is because Rivotril can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some other medicines can affect the way Rivotril works.

In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Other medicines to treat epilepsy, such as carbamazepine, hydantoins, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone or sodium valproate.

If you notice any of these effects, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to help you by giving you a lower dose of Rivotril and then increasing it slowly.

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Rivotril. This is because it may cause side effects or cause your fits to return.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Do not take Rivotril if you are pregnant, might become pregnant or are breast-feeding, unless your doctor tells you to. This is because Rivotril will affect your baby.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.